Skype

As recently as in October 2010, the Luxembourg-based Skype’s Stockholm office in Slussen housed only 35 employees. The video- and audio-focused team’s digs were bursting at the seams and new offices were needed. Skype found its next Stockholm home in a completely restored massive historical building, München Brewery, a landmark of Stockholm’s skyline. Built in 1846 as a clothing factory, the building became Sweden’s largest brewery in 1857 and operated as a brewery until 1971. Skype’s new offices in the München Brewery now have room for 100 employees. Head architect Mette Larsson- Wedborn of PS Arkitektur with team members Peter Sahlin, Thérèse Svalling, Beata Denton and Erika Janunger, was charged with expressing the Skype brand’s playful spirit and its mission to connect the world in the working environment. To do this, the designers used round shapes, fun light fixtures and bright-color furnishings in an otherwise almost completely white space. The rounded shapes of the furnishings and cloud-like lights speak the same language as Skype’s rounded font and cloud logo. The custom-made wallpaper is literal, depicting the audio and video world of the staff.